On February 27, 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the removal of five Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) from the VA Lender's Handbook, effective for all VA appraisals ordered after May 1, 2026. These changes eliminate compliance requirements for sheds and outbuildings, remove radon gas certification for new construction, eliminate oxygen depletion sensor requirements for non-vented heaters, and simplify paint repair standards for homes built after 1978.
As an Ohio REALTOR with 13+ years of appraisal management experience and extensive VA loan expertise serving Wright-Patterson AFB service members, I'm breaking down exactly what these changes mean for VA buyers in Springfield, Fairborn, Beavercreek, Dayton, and across Ohio. This is the most significant streamlining of VA property requirements in years, and it removes friction points that have delayed closings and killed deals. Springfield is the county seat of Clark County.
The Official Changes: VA Pamphlet 26-7, Revised Change 46
On February 27, 2026, Patrick Zondervan, Executive Director of the VA Loan Guaranty Service, issued Transmittal of Change 46 to VA Pamphlet 26-7 (the VA Lender's Handbook). The transmittal states these requirements were found to be "superfluous" and are being struck from Chapter 12 Minimum Property Requirements.
The changes become effective for all VA appraisals ordered after May 1, 2026. These new relaxed standards apply to appraisals ordered after May 1, 2026. If your appraisal was ordered before May 1st, the old requirements still apply even if the inspection happens in May.
VA's transmittal says the change is effective for all VA appraisals ordered after May 1st, 2026.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Transmittal of Change 46 to VA Pamphlet 26-7, February 27, 2026 (accessed October 18, 2026).
The five changes in VA's Change 46, for appraisals ordered after May 1, 2026:
| Requirement | Where it was (VA Lender's Handbook, Chapter 12) | What Change 46 did |
|---|---|---|
| Detached improvements (sheds, outbuildings) | Topic 1, subtopic g | Removed |
| SAH RLC jurisdiction | Topic 1, subtopic i | Removed |
| Non-vented heater (oxygen depletion sensor certification) | Topic 23, subtopic b | Removed |
| Paint, homes built in 1978 or later | Topic 32, subtopic a | Condensed |
| Paint, homes built before 1978 | Topic 32, subtopic b | Phrase "or related improvements" removed; rule otherwise kept |
| Radon gas (builder certification for new construction) | Topic 34 | Removed in its entirety |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Transmittal of Change 46 to VA Pamphlet 26-7, Revised, dated February 27, 2026 (accessed October 18, 2026).
What Changed: The Five Removed Requirements
1. Detached Sheds and Outbuildings No Longer Subject to MPRs
Old requirement (Before May 1, 2026): "Detached sheds or other improvements on the site may be included in value if the improvement meets VA's MPRs. If the improvement does not meet MPRs it must be excluded from value. If the improvement presents a health or safety hazard, the appraisal must be completed subject to the removal of the improvement."
New standard (After May 1, 2026): This entire requirement has been removed. The VA appraisal no longer evaluates detached sheds, outbuildings, or other non-residential improvements for MPR compliance.
What This Means for You: That old shed in the backyard with peeling paint or a sagging roof? It won't kill your VA loan anymore. Before May 1st, a shed with defective paint on a pre-1978 property could trigger a repair requirement or force the appraisal to exclude it from value. After May 1st, the shed is simply no longer evaluated for MPR purposes.
Important Clarification: This applies to detached, non-residential improvements only. The main dwelling still has all paint requirements in effect (see section below). If a detached structure presents an actual safety hazard (like a collapsing roof that could fall onto the dwelling), the VA appraisal can still flag it under general hazard provisions, but the specific MPR compliance requirement is gone.
2. Radon Gas Requirements Completely Removed
Old requirement (Before May 1, 2026): "On proposed and new construction cases, the builder must certify that radon resistant construction techniques were used where applicable and construction meets any local or state building codes for radon control. Radon resistant construction techniques are considered to be applicable for properties located in Radon Zone 1."
New standard (After May 1, 2026): Topic 34 (Radon Gas) has been removed in its entirety. No radon-related certifications, testing recommendations, or builder certifications are required.
What This Means for You: If you are buying new construction in a Radon Zone 1 area (primarily parts of northern and eastern Ohio, including portions of Clark, Greene, and Montgomery counties), builders no longer need to provide VA with certification that radon-resistant construction techniques were used.
Ohio Radon Context: According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio has significant radon risk in many counties. Greene County (Fairborn, Beavercreek, Xenia) and Clark County (Springfield, New Carlisle) both have areas with elevated radon potential. Even though the VA no longer requires builder certification, you should still test.
3. Non-Vented Heater and Oxygen Depletion Sensor Requirements Eliminated
Old requirement (Before May 1, 2026): "If the dwelling will have a permanently installed, non-electric, non-vented fireplace or other non-vented space heater: (1) the NOV must be conditioned to require the Veteran's written acknowledgement that the dwelling contains a non-vented fireplace or space heater which has not been inspected by VA, and (2) a licensed heating/air conditioning contractor must certify in writing that the non-vented appliance is equipped with an approved Oxygen Depletion Sensor and meets the local building authority requirements."
New standard (After May 1, 2026): This entire requirement has been removed. No contractor certification of oxygen depletion sensors is required, and no Veteran acknowledgement is needed.
What This Means for You: If the home has a ventless gas fireplace, gas space heater, or similar non-vented heating appliance, the VA no longer requires a licensed HVAC contractor to certify that it has an oxygen depletion sensor. The acknowledgement form is also eliminated.
Safety Note: Oxygen depletion sensors are still a good safety feature. Modern ventless appliances are required by building codes to have them. The VA simply no longer requires the extra layer of certification paperwork.
4. Peeling Paint on Post-1978 Homes: Requirement Condensed
Old requirement (Before May 1, 2026): "If the dwelling or related improvements were built in 1978 or later, the appraiser must report all defective paint surfaces on the exterior and require repair of any defective paint that exposes the subsurface to the elements. Interior defective paint on a dwelling built in 1978 or later is normally considered cosmetic."
New standard (After May 1, 2026): Topic 32a (Properties Built in 1978 or Later) has been "condensed" according to the transmittal. The exact new language is not yet published in the updated handbook, but the requirement has been simplified.
What This Likely Means for You: The VA is streamlining the paint requirements for post-1978 homes. The old standard required the appraisal to report all defective exterior paint and require repair if it exposed subsurface to elements. The "condensed" version will likely focus only on paint defects that present actual structural weatherproofing issues rather than minor cosmetic peeling.
Pre-1978 Homes: The lead-based paint requirement for pre-1978 homes remains largely intact, with one small change noted below.
5. Lead-Based Paint: Minor Wording Change for Pre-1978 Homes
Old requirement (Before May 1, 2026): "If the dwelling or related improvements were built before 1978, the presence of lead-based paint must be presumed."
New standard (After May 1, 2026): The phrase "or related improvements" has been removed from Topic 32b.
What This Means for You: This is a minor technical change. The lead-based paint requirement for pre-1978 main dwellings remains fully in effect. Any defective paint (chipping, cracking, scaling, peeling, or loose) on a pre-1978 dwelling must still be corrected before closing. The removal of "or related improvements" likely coordinates with the elimination of the detached improvements requirement (change #1 above), clarifying that outbuildings are no longer evaluated.
Critical Point: If you are buying a home built before 1978, the lead-based paint requirement still applies to the main house. Peeling paint on exterior or interior surfaces must be scraped, cleaned, and repainted with two coats of non-leaded paint. This requirement has NOT been removed or reduced.
What Still Requires Repair: MPRs That Did NOT Change
It is equally important to understand what did NOT change. The following MPRs remain fully in effect after May 1, 2026:
Roof Condition: Roofs must prevent moisture entry and have reasonable future utility (typically 2+ years remaining life). Foundation and Structural Soundness: No excessive settling, cracks, or structural defects. Mechanical Systems: Heating, plumbing, electrical must be safe and operational. Water and Sewer: Continuous potable water supply and safe sewage disposal. Wood-Destroying Insects: Termite inspections still required in moderate-to-heavy and very-heavy zones (most of Ohio). Safety Hazards: Missing handrails, unsafe electrical, exposed wiring must be corrected. Peeling Paint on Pre-1978 Main Dwellings: Still requires full lead-based paint remediation. Drainage and Grading: Proper drainage away from foundation. Attic and Crawl Space Access: Must be accessible and properly vented.
The VA did not eliminate core health and safety standards. These changes remove administrative and documentation requirements that were determined to be superfluous, not fundamental structural or safety protections.
Why the VA Made These Changes
The official transmittal states these five requirements were found to be "superfluous." In plain language, this means the VA determined these requirements were redundant, overly burdensome, or not essential to protecting Veterans from unsafe or unsound properties.
My Perspective (From 13+ Years in Appraisal Management):
These were common friction points in VA transactions. The detached improvement requirement was particularly problematic because old sheds and garages on otherwise excellent properties could trigger repair conditions or value exclusions that served no real safety purpose. The radon certification requirement for new construction added paperwork without adding protection (since building codes already address radon in most jurisdictions). The oxygen depletion sensor certification was duplicative of building code requirements and manufacturer standards.
This is smart policy. The VA is removing paperwork that slowed transactions without removing actual safety protections. The core MPRs that protect Veterans from structural defects, unsafe systems, and health hazards remain fully intact.
Timeline: When Do These Changes Take Effect?
Effective Date: All VA appraisals ordered after May 1, 2026
How This Works:
Appraisal ordered on April 30, 2026: OLD rules apply (all five requirements still in effect). Appraisal ordered on May 1, 2026: NEW rules apply (five requirements removed). Appraisal ordered April 25, inspection happens May 10: OLD rules apply (the order date controls, not the inspection date).
Your lender orders the appraisal through the VA system. The date the VA assigns the appraisal to the VA fee panel determines which standards apply.
Impact on Ohio VA Buyers: What This Means Locally
Springfield, Clark County: Clark County has older housing stock with many homes built before 1978. The shed/outbuilding change will be significant here. Many Springfield properties have detached garages or sheds from the 1950s-1970s that previously triggered repair requirements. Starting May 1st, these are no longer evaluated.
Fairborn, Beavercreek, Wright-Patterson AFB Area: These areas have a mix of older established neighborhoods and newer construction. The radon requirement removal affects new construction buyers, and the shed requirement affects buyers in older neighborhoods near WPAFB. The ventless fireplace requirement was common in basement renovations and finished lower levels.
New Carlisle, Enon: These communities have significant pre-1978 housing stock and rural properties with outbuildings. The shed/outbuilding change is a major improvement for buyers looking at these properties.
Dayton Metro: Dayton's diverse housing stock means all five changes have relevance. Older urban neighborhoods benefit from the shed requirement removal. New construction areas benefit from radon certification elimination. Renovated homes with ventless fireplaces benefit from the oxygen depletion sensor requirement removal.
What VA Buyers Should Do Now
If You Are Under Contract (Appraisal Not Yet Ordered):
Review the property for any of the five removed requirements. If the property has issues that would be affected (shed with peeling paint, new construction in Radon Zone 1, ventless fireplace), consider whether delaying the appraisal order until after May 1st makes sense. Discuss timing with your lender and agent. Balance appraisal timing against rate lock expiration and closing deadlines.
If Your Appraisal Is Already Ordered:
The old rules apply to your transaction. If you receive repair conditions related to any of the five removed requirements, you still need to complete them. These changes do not apply retroactively to appraisals ordered before May 1st.
If You Are Shopping for a Home:
Be aware these changes are coming but are not yet in effect. Do not make offers assuming the new standards apply until after May 1st. Consider properties you may have previously passed on due to shed conditions or ventless fireplaces, as these issues will soon be non-factors.
Regardless of Timing:
Still get a professional home inspection (the VA appraisal is not a home inspection). Still test for radon even though VA no longer requires it. Still ensure ventless appliances have oxygen depletion sensors (good practice even without VA requirement). Still address obvious safety hazards even if the VA no longer flags them.
My Recommendation: Smart Strategy for VA Buyers
These changes are a win for VA buyers. They remove administrative friction without removing safety protections. However, do not interpret these changes as permission to skip due diligence.
My advice to service members and VA buyers:
Always get a home inspection. The VA appraisal protects the VA's interest in the loan. The home inspection protects your interest in the property. Still test for radon. Ask a licensed radon tester for a written quote. A test could save your family's health. Use these changes strategically. Properties with sheds, ventless fireplaces, or new construction in radon zones may now be more viable for VA financing. Do not confuse "VA no longer requires it" with "it is not important." Many of these items are still important for safety, health, and long-term property value. Work with a VA-experienced agent. These changes are significant, and you need someone who understands both the old and new standards to navigate transactions effectively.
Why My Appraisal Background Matters Here
Amanda Mullins, REALTOR® with eXp Realty, has 13+ years in residential appraisal management, so she reads VA appraisal conditions closely and explains them in plain terms.
Related Reading
Wright-Patterson AFB PCS Real Estate Guide
VA Loan Basics: Zero Down Payment Home Buying for Ohio Veterans
Springfield Ohio New Construction Guide: D.R. Horton Communities and VA Financing
Home Inspection vs VA Appraisal: What Each Covers (And Why You Need Both)
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the VA minimum property requirement changes take effect?
The VA transmittal for Change 46 to the VA Lender's Handbook, dated February 27, 2026, says the change "will become effective for all VA appraisals ordered after May 1st, 2026." The date the appraisal is ordered controls which rules apply, not the inspection date or the closing date. Your lender can confirm the order date on your file.
Which VA minimum property requirements were removed?
VA's Change 46 made five changes to Chapter 12 of the Lender's Handbook: it removed the Detached Improvements and SAH RLC Jurisdiction subtopics, removed the non-vented heater subtopic (oxygen depletion sensor certification), condensed the paint rule for homes built in 1978 or later, removed the phrase "or related improvements" from the pre-1978 paint rule, and removed the Radon Gas topic in its entirety.
Do sheds and other detached buildings still have to meet VA requirements?
Change 46 removed the Detached Improvements subtopic from Chapter 12 of the VA Lender's Handbook for appraisals ordered after May 1, 2026. That subtopic had required the appraisal to be completed subject to removal of a detached shed or similar building that presented a hazard, according to an April 2026 FLCBank lender bulletin. Ask your lender how a specific outbuilding will be handled.
Does the lead-based paint rule still apply to homes built before 1978?
Yes. VA's Change 46 removed only the phrase "or related improvements" from the pre-1978 paint rule. An April 2026 FLCBank lender bulletin summarizes the policy for homes built before 1978 as unchanged: paint is presumed to contain lead, and defective paint must be remediated. For homes built in 1978 or later, defective paint can be considered cosmetic.
Should VA buyers still test for radon and get a home inspection?
VA removed its radon topic, which had required builders of proposed and new construction to certify radon-resistant construction. The EPA estimates that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and a radon test is how a buyer learns a specific home's level. A VA appraisal is not a home inspection, so a separate inspection is how a buyer learns the condition of the systems, roof, and structure.
Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Transmittal of Change 46 to VA Pamphlet 26-7, February 27, 2026; FLCBank Bulletin 2026-AC-008, April 2026; U.S. EPA radon guidance (all accessed October 18, 2026).
Amanda Mullins, MBA, REALTOR®, SRES | eXp Realty | Move Smart With Amanda
Serving Springfield, Dayton, Columbus, Fairborn, New Carlisle, Enon, and the Wright-Patterson AFB corridor in Ohio. 13+ years residential appraisal management experience. D.R. Horton 2025 Top Performing Agent Partner. Featured in the New York Times. 2026 RateMyAgent Agent of the Year (Champaign County) | Top 5 Agent (Clark County).
Phone: (317) 750-6316 | Email: amullinsmba@gmail.com | movesmartwithamanda.com | Ohio License #2021006208 | 301 N Fountain Ave, Springfield, OH 45504
